From spotting rare mountain gorillas in the wild through the mist of dense rainforest, to witnessing herds of elephants roam over the vast savannah, you’ll connect with the wild heart of Africa in every sense.

Experience the vibrancy of Ugandan city life in the country’s busy capital of Kampala, and travel to the extreme center of the equator and through dense tracts of tropical rainforest in lake Mburo National Park. You’ll also hike deep into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of wild mountain gorillas; try to spot an elusive tree-climbing lion and track elephants, buffaloes, lions and antelopes in Queen Elizabeth National Park; explore the rainforest in Semliki National Park that’s home to wild chimpanzees; watch hippos and crocodiles at the foot of Murchinson Falls; and visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an afternoon tracking wild rhinos.

This is the ultimate trip for wildlife lovers, and your expert team of local guides, trackers and private drivers will ensure you get the most out of every experience. You’ll also soak in plenty of Uganda’s human culture with visits to artisan workshops and local schools where you’ll receive a hero’s welcome from excited students. Experience Uganda’s finest food and service in a collection of world-class luxury safari camps and remote lodges.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Street Vendor at Kampala Fruit Market

Cassia Lodge

Day 1: Entebbe - Kampala

Welcome to the East African primate capital, the heavily forested country of Uganda! Upon arrival to the Entebbe International Airport, a representative will meet and you load up your entire luggage and head towards the Ugandan capital city of Kampala where you will overnight.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge Hotel

Hippo Mom and Baby

Mihingo Lodge

Day 2: Kampala - Lake Mburo National Park

Depart the Ugandan capital of Kampala en-route to the Lake Mburo National Park grounds. Your driver will travel in a south-westerly direction for the specific purpose of travelling to workshops of the Mpigi Drum Makers. It is here where you’ll watch numerous ceremonial drums being hand-crafted using the traditional methods passed down from one generation to another. Next, you’ll travel to the extreme center of the Earth, the Equator. After some time spent snapping photos, it’s off to the Papyrus swamps, where tracts of dense, tropical rainforest merge seamlessly into the rolling plains of Ankole. Shortly after travelling through the swamps, you’ll arrive within the confines of the Lake Mburo National Park grounds.

Your park fees are included for this day.

Enjoy a game drive to view the parks' plains, game and birds in their evening habitats, when they are usually the most active. Return to lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge

Mountain Gorilla

School Kids

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp - Tented Chalets

Day 3: Lake Mburo National Park - Bwindi

Wake up bright and early today to enjoy an exciting morning game drive around Lake Mburo. After your game drive, you'll depart the confines of the Lake Mburo National Park and head towards the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Often referred to as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this area boast some truly thick vegetation consisting of massive evergreen trees that stretch to great heights for sunlight. It is here within the Impenetrable Forest where almost half of the world’s population of Mountain Gorilla reside. The travel time between these two diverse locations is approximately 6 hours depending on weather conditions.

Bwindi is surrounded on the Buhoma side by the Bakiga community and the Batwa people community. The walk takes about two hours and begins with a stroll through a small tea farming project. Here you can stop to meet the tea pickers and perhaps even learn how to pluck tea leaves along the way. Then visit a local beer brewery and see how they mash bananas to make a fermented brew which is mixed and distilled to make banana beer - a popular local drink in the area. From here walk a short distance to the local hospital which Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp supports through various projects. Learn about how it started and the work they do for the community. Continue your walk to a nearby village and visit a traditional medicine man. The knowledge of using herbs for healing has been passed on from generation to generation and he will show you some of the herbs that grow in the forest and talk about how they are used. Later, relax and enjoy a performance by the Batwa community before returning to the camp.

Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you'll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.

This tour is included in the cost of your stay.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Gorilla Trek

Day 4: Bwindi

Wake up very early and depart with a picnic lunch to track the rare Mountain Gorillas (hiking boots required). The tracking may take between 5 and 8 hours. The Park Guides with you interpret the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight at the lodge. Only persons age 15 and over are allowed to track the gorillas.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Tree Climbing Cub

Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 5: Bwindi - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy an early game drive this morning before making your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will make a stop in Ishasha where, if you are lucky, you will catch a glimpse of the famous tree climbing lion.

Your park fees are included for this day.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge

Hippos along the Kasinga Channel

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Park has several spots stretching over 200kms of well maintained game viewing tracks. The best time for game drives is in the morning hours where there are high chances of seeing elephants, buffaloes, lion and a variety of antelopes and other wildlife.

The boat cruise on the Kazinga channel usually lasts for 2 hours and it gives visitors the opportunity to see a variety of yawning hippos in water, water birds, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, the Uganda-kobs, topis, water bucks, bush bucks, reed bucks, duiker, mongoose, swamp antelopes, spotted hyena, warthog, forest hog and in difficult routes in the south.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge

Semliki Safari Lodge Exterior

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park - Semliki National Park

Enjoy an early morning game drive before setting off to Semliki National Park. The drive will take approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a box lunch while you travel (included in tour price).

Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge

Semliki Game Drive

Day 8: Semliki National Park

Walk down into the beautiful gallery rainforest to track wild chimpanzees. These are usually tracked at dawn or dusk due to the fact that these apes tend to disappear in the middle of the day. There are also a number of bird species which are found in this picturesque forest. Retire from the chimp tracking and then in the afternoon you may relax at the pool or go for a game drive as you watch the sun set.

Enjoy a game drive to view the parks' plains, game and birds in their evening habitats, when they are usually the most active. Return to lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.

Accommodation: Semliki Safari Lodge

Paraa Safari Lodge Exterior

Day 9: Semliki National Park - Murchison Falls

Depart early this morning for Murchison Falls. On arrival at the park, you will pass over the top the falls for a great view. Approximate travel time is 7 hours.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Murchison Falls Boat Trip

The Mighty Elephant

Day 10: Murchison Falls

In the cool early morning before the sun rises too high, you will see plenty of game on the Buligi, Albert and Queen's tracks north of the River Nile. The bulk of Murchison falls wildlife is concentrated to the northern bank of the Nile, and the best for game drives is the circuit of tracks that run west from the ferry jet at Paraa to the Lake Albert Delta.

Enjoy a boat excursion today from lodge to the foot of Murchison Falls. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant, and you will see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and birds like; Herons, Cormorants, Ducks, Bee-eaters, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, and the rare Shoebill. The trip from Para to the Falls and back takes about three hours. A boat trip to the Delta where the Victoria Nile engorges into the Lake Albert leads through papyrus swamps. The trips takes about four to five hours and you will see a similar variety of animals and birds.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Rhino Tracking

Rhino Sanctuary

Day 11: Murchison Falls - Nakasongola - Kampala

After breakfast you will depart for Kampala. En-route, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an afternoon rhino tracking venture which is approximately three hours from Murchison Falls. Kampala is an additional two hour drive from Nakasongola. Please talk to your Kensington Tours Travel Consultant if you wish to overnight at the Sanctuary. Please note lodging is simple with en-suite bathrooms.

One of the trained rangers will meet you upon arrival and give you an introduction to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Depending on where the rhinos happen to be when you arrive, you will drive to the closest location and then approach the rhinos on foot. You will then have an opportunity to observe the rhinos in their habitat at a very close, and very safe, distance. The animals are magnificent and the opportunity to see them up close is truly one not to be missed. The tracking excursion lasts on average between 1-2 hours.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge Hotel

Day 12: Kampala

What's Included:

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Hotels

Cassia Lodge

Cassia Lodge Hotel - Kampala

Cassia Lodge is located on Buziga Hill, one of the highest hills of Kampala, close to Lake Victoria. With the environmental temperatures being cool, guest can relish in that there are very few mosquitoes around when outside of the property enjoying the astonishing view of the lake as well as the city. The lodge offers excellent international cuisine in a serene environment, with a highly trained and experienced culinary staff at the helm. The lodge itself offers guests stays in one of the twenty luxurious rooms which all feature satellite television, mini-bar and spectacular balconies with overlooking views of the lake. Guest can also enjoy use of the swimming pool during those sunny afternoon hours to cool down.

Mihingo Lodge - Lake Mburo National Park

The exclusive Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful retreat which strategically sits adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. The property features ten tented rooms which have been built on raised wooden platforms that are covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent which has been equipped with safari style amenities and facilities including en-suite bathrooms that produce both hot and cold running water for the shower, and flushing toilets. The property also features a large dining area and an infinity pool.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp - Bwindi

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is nestled deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Uganda. This camp is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa. The main area features a comfortable lounge and bar area as well as the main dining area while the mini spa offers a wide selection of treatments. Located within the National Park, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers guests an unrivalled location, including the best bird and wildlife viewing in the Bwindi area. In fact, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp often receives regular visits from the gorillas themselves. For the lucky guests in camp at those times, they may have the chance for a gorilla encounter without even leaving Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

Mweya Safari Lodge - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Safari Lodge is located in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts numerous unique attractions, in addition to all the game viewing and ornithology, which have become synonymous with the term safari.

Semliki Safari Lodge - Semliki National Park

Semliki Safari Lodge is situated in the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve (formerly called Toro Game Reserve), in the Western Rift Valley. It is the only accommodation in over 500 square kilometres of wilderness, offering a truly private experience. Built out of local materials, the lodge has a feeling of traditional rustic without losing that all-important comfort.

Paraa Safari Lodge - Murchison Falls

Paraa Safari Lodge is in Murchison Falls National Park, North West Uganda. The 40 metre wide River Nile, on it's journey from its source at Lake Victoria to join Lake Albert, is suddenly compressed into a gorge only six meters wide, and cascades into a boiling pot 43 metres below. The earth literally trembles at Murchison Falls, one of the world's most powerful flows of natural water. Elevated high above the Falls on the north side of the river, the historical Paraa Safari Lodge enjoys simply astounding views. The lodge is one hour flight from Entebbe or six hours drive by road.

Map

Reviews

Africa
Sachi Gowda ,
December 15, 2014"We are extremely happy with your service from beginning to end and we had very a memorable trip."

Africa
Ronald Jones ,
December 12, 2014"I cannot express how fabulous our trip was!! I know it was made that way thanks to ALL the kind, knowledgable, and helpful people that you all placed in our path. Many went above and beyond to make our experience even more positive. From drivers, to guides, to hotel staff---we met some wonderful people that we can now call friends. Thank you Christine and Kensington tours for this once in a lifetime African adventure!"

Africa
RonJones ,
December 15, 2014"Christine, our family trip was ALL we wanted it to be. The hotel accommodations in the cities were GREAT. We needed to make some room assignment adjustments but that's to be expected with a large family with children and same names.
I don't know where/how ya'll got those guides but...KEEP'EM! In both Cape Town and Joberg the guys knew their cities and environs excellently. Their English was very good...so good in fact that several got the sarcasm and even joked some. I do apologize if we over-tipped. I relied on each family to tip their own driver but, I wasn't sure of their "sense of what was right" so I followed up with something for each.
Simbavati was "PERFECT". As much as Glenda and I really liked Ngala, I do not think they could have handled a family as well...UNLESS, they had accommodations we did not see.
Please rest assured when ever I plan to travel on a multi-dimensional trip in the future, for sure with a group, or maybe just Glenda and I, I'll be calling Kensington... Christine and Donna specifically. And most definitely, anytime I can recommend a travel professional, your company and you two will be mentioned by name!
Thank you again Christine...you presented us the exact trip we dreamed about for our family and your folks on the ground made it happen! I sincerely hope you, Donna and everyone else involved have a most Blessed Christmas and a wonderful, successful New Year!"

Africa
Bruce Lundstrom ,
December 15, 2014"Morocco has a lot to offer. Food, historic sites, craftsmen (rugs, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, etc.), natural beauty, roads and infrastructure, and a reasonably safe environment. Both Guide (Abdel) and Driver were excellent. Service-oriented, timely and easy going. Abdel was not afraid to speak his mind, offer suggestions and give us feedback on ideas. We enjoyed their company."

Africa
AlbertLind ,
December 09, 2014"A truly wonderful trip......first class accommodations and service in each venue....the guides were knowledgable and went out of their way to insure that we could see and understand Africa. Capetown is a fascinating city, Sabi Sands an extraordinary private game preserve, and Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel a once in a lifetime experience. For those who want to visit Africa we enthusiastically recommend Kensington Tours. And Jolene Plant stayed with us in every step during the planning of our trip and itinerary. We saw as much of Africa as much as anyone can during our two weeks vacation."

Africa
Belinda Skelton ,
December 12, 2014"This was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever had. The custom tours and activities exceeded my expectations. I was traveling alone but felt safe and in good hands. The process of booking the trip with Lily Baffour was so easy and personal, especially with the constant communications from her up to my departure. Thank you Kensington Tours for an awesome experience. I will definitely use you for my next adventure!"

Africa
NancyGarret ,
December 12, 2014"Our week-long tour in Morocco went without a hitch in the company of a great driver and knowledgeable guide who were always prompt, courteous, helpful, and very nice. Kensington Tours' picks for our overnight accommodations were excellent, as well as the excursions planned for us. We're grateful to our conscientious agent, Lily, who went out of her way to make us feel welcome in Morocco. We feel confident that we are in very capable hands whenever we travel with Kensington Tours. "

Africa
KarenKuwahara ,
December 12, 2014"Our trip was a perfect 10 - exceeding all expectations! Starting with Christine Willner's attentiveness to our wish list and balancing it to our budget, every leg and element of our journey took place without so much as a hiccup. We were blown away by the quality of our tours, accommodations and guides. Thank you for giving us a great experience and wonderful memories!"

Africa
Rebecca Warren ,
August 02, 2014"My 26 year old daughter recently traveled alone to Madagascar using Kensington tours. I was a little concerned about her safety and wanted to make sure that she would be well taken care of. Kensington was great from start to finish. Our travel agent, Marc Sisson, put together the tour in very short order with very little notice, had no problem doing it for just one person, and gave me a sense of security that my daughter would be well cared for. She did the Anjajavy 5 Day Beach extension. The tour guide who picked her up at the airport in the capitol city was outstanding -- very knowledgeable and helpful. The Anjajavy hotel was extraordinary. Her pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. She kayaked, swam in the ocean and saw lemurs feeding. She got to practice her French with the outstanding hotel manager and otherwise was able to just relax and unwind. She described the experience as "visiting Eden." I highly recommend Kensington. I contacted a number of tour/travel agencies and none of them compared to Kensington. "

Africa
Shayna Maislin ,
April 21, 2014"I would highly recommend the tour guide that we had in the Serengetti . He was extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and courteous. We all agree that Kensington has first class staff working for them in Africa. All the camps that we stayed at were absolutely beautiful except perhaps for the one in Lake Manyara. All in all it was a spectacular trip!"